Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to strengthen the delivery of justice for members of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), the Odisha Government has decided to establish six exclusive courts under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The initiative is aimed at ensuring faster disposal of cases, reducing pendency, and safeguarding the rights of marginalised communities.
The Home Department has issued an official notification for the establishment of the new courts following the recommendation and concurrence of the Orissa High Court. The decision comes as part of the state’s efforts to strengthen the judicial mechanism for cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Exclusive Courts To Fast-Track Atrocities Cases
According to official reports, the newly established courts are expected to expedite the trial of offences committed against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by exclusively handling cases registered under the Act.
The move is also intended to clear a large number of pending cases and ensure timely justice for victims while enhancing the effectiveness of the legal framework designed to protect vulnerable communities from discrimination, violence and atrocities.
Jurisdiction Of The New Courts
The six new courts will function as Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-Exclusive Courts and will have jurisdiction over the following regions:
- Bhadrak Revenue District
- Berhampur Revenue District
- Jajpur Revenue District
- Kendrapara Revenue District
- Puri Revenue District
- Khordha Revenue Sub-Division
These courts will exclusively hear cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, enabling faster adjudication and dedicated judicial attention.
Government Reaffirms Commitment To Social Justice
The state government said the proposal was finalised after continuous reviews and coordination by the State Human Rights Protection Cell (SHRPC) at the Police Headquarters.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the government reiterated its commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and ensuring that victims of atrocities receive timely legal remedies.
Officials said the creation of exclusive courts reflects Odisha’s focus on strengthening access to justice and improving the implementation of laws enacted for the protection of disadvantaged communities.
High Court Asked To Appoint Judges
Following the issuance of the notification, the Home Department has requested the Orissa High Court to nominate and appoint judicial officers to preside over the six newly established courts so that they can begin functioning at the earliest.
The appointment of dedicated judges is expected to ensure smooth functioning of the courts and speedy disposal of cases.
More Exclusive Courts Under Consideration
The Odisha Government is also evaluating proposals to establish additional exclusive courts in other districts that have a high number of pending cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Alongside the expansion of the judicial infrastructure, the government is considering the appointment of Special Public Prosecutors in such districts to strengthen prosecution and improve conviction rates in atrocity cases.
Officials believe these measures will enhance the implementation of the SC/ST Act while reinforcing public confidence in the justice delivery system.
